Mapleheart POV

The Duskclan Warriors weren't in the best shape but there was no time like the present, they needed to stop Owlclan and fast.

By this point, Cavernclan had arrived with all their cats and so the sides were pretty uneven. Three whole clans of cats against one? In fairness to Owlclan, their Warriors were probably more fearless, not afraid to kill.

"Shall we?" Ravenstar looked around.

Many cats nodded in agreement, it was time to end this reign of power that Owlclan held.

Not uttering a word, the crowd of cats stalked towards the border of Owlclan. They were not afraid anymore. All they could focus on was stopping Owlclan.

When they reached the camp entrance, Duskstar gave the signal and they all darted inside, charging into battle against Owlclan who seemed to expect this.

Mapleheart was thrust into a battle with a cat she recognized clearly, Dragonflypelt. The murderer of Willowbrook and Pineflower.

"Back for round two, eh?" Dragonflypelt grinned, slashing at Mapleheart.

Mapleheart was far smaller than Dragonflypelt however, allowing her to slink out of the way of his claws and rake her own against his side.

Dragonflypelt hissed before pinning Mapleheart to the ground which wasn't very difficult. Mapleheart began to try and wriggle free as Venomfang bowled him over.

The pair gave each other a nod before Mapleheart pounced onto the back of another cat, Shadowflower who had Jaypaw cornered.

Jaypaw took that opportunity to run as Shadowflower shook her body until Mapleheart toppled off.

This didn't deter Mapleheart as she continued to jump around Shadowflower who eventually threw her to the side with one claw swipe.

Mapleheart winced as she tumbled against some rocks. Shadowflower slowly padded towards her and was about to strike again.

That's when Marshriver jumped and clamped down on Shadowflower's neck, forcing her to the ground. When he released, Shadowflower was gasping for air on the ground. Marshriver shook his head dismissively at the older cat before padding over towards Mapleheart.

The two touched noses before continuing on with the battle. Mapleheart was filled with a warm feeling before she jumped at a grey she-cat.

The she-cat spun around and latched onto Mapleheart's neck scruff and shaking her violently before dropping her.

Mapleheart stumbled around, very dizzy. Everything around her was blurry but she thought she could make out Flypounce slashing at the grey she-cat.

Mapleheart managed to lower her body as the world around her slowly stopped spinning. She blinked her eyes a couple of times before spotting something.

A large white she-cat with black dashes in her fur was running towards the edge of camp. Owletstar. Mapleheart growled and chased after her, complete tunnel vision.

Mapleheart eventually reached a cliff, Owletstar standing by the edge.

"Owletstar!"

The large she-cat turned around, her eyes narrowed.

"Mapleheart." She hummed,"How is Marshriver doing?"

"Better, now that he's free of you." Mapleheart spat.

"Aw, someone's angry." Owletstar chuckled,"So why'd you follow me? I wanted a fight but not with a kit."

"I'm a Warrior and you know that."

"Then prove yourself."

Mapleheart launched herself at the larger cat, slashing with her unsheathed claws. Owletstar retaliated by clamping her jaws around Mapleheart's leg, snapping it.

Mapleheart yowled and Owletstar smirked.

"See how easy it was to do that?" Owletstar leaned in close,"Imagine what I could do to your neck."

Mapleheart didn't want to admit it, but she was defenseless against Owletstar. Was her worst fear coming true? Was... Was Owletstar going to kill her.

That's when Owletstar cackled, looking down at her,"You're weak, just like those other clan cats!"

Mapleheart's eyes looked past Owletstar and began to adjust on a... Cloud? No... No, that's not a cloud it's... A bird!?

Owletstar was close to biting down on Mapleheart's neck when a large, white bird cawed, swooping down and grabbing Owletstar in it's sharp talons. Owletstar yowled as the bird carried her off, over the trees.

Mapleheart lay there in shock, trying to process what just happened. Was Owletstar... Gone?

"You... You did it, Mapleheart!" Marshriver ran over to her.

"I didn't kill her, Marshriver-"

"But you distracted her long enough for the owl to get her." Marshriver brushed against her.

"Heh, I did do that." Mapleheart nodded, their tails intertwined.

"This, uh, feels like the best time to say but... I've always saw you as such a warm and interesting cat, always full of hope and positivity." Marshriver admitted.

Mapleheart nodded slowly, listening intently.

"Everything about you, even if I tried to hide it, drew me in." Marshriver sighed,"I guess what I'm trying to say is... That I love you, Mapleheart."

Mapleheart didn't speak, responding by licking his cheek and forehead.

"Would you, uh, give me the honour of being my mate?" Marshriver asked shyly.

"Of course!" Mapleheart purred.